The Side Effects of 2000-mg Garlic

The Side Effects of 2000-mg Garlic
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You may consume garlic in 2000-mg doses as a nutritional supplement to help you prevent heart disease, although Drugs.com states that scientific evidence shows more likelihood that garlic may help decrease harmful cholesterol and hypertension. The risk of stroke and heart disease may decrease with the use of garlic. Side effects related to garlic supplements have been reported. Before using any dietary supplement, consult your physician.

Upset Stomach

Although garlic may help your health, taking 2000-mg garlic supplements may irritate your stomach, causing you to feel sick and nauseated. This side effect typically occurs during your early use of garlic supplements and goes away as your system grows accustomed to it. Taking your garlic supplements with food may help to lessen or avoid this type of non-serious side effect. If it still occurs after a few days of use, call your health practitioner for advice.

Heartburn

You may feel burning in your chest as your stomach acid digests the garlic supplement. Heartburn will feel like pressure or a tight, burning sensation. If the discomfort concerns you, get medical treatment at once. Unusual heartburn may indicate heart-related problems. No one should guess about chest pain, as the pain could be a serious symptom of another health problem. Heartburn also may occur as burning in your throat and mouth.

Halitosis

Bad breath, also called halitosis, may occur when consuming 2000-mg garlic as a nutritional supplement, as well as when eating garlic as a flavoring in foods. You may need to use mouthwash and chew breath-freshening gum to rid the after-smells of garlic, but halitosis does not constitute a serious side effect.

Blood Thinning

Garlic may thin your blood, the University of Maryland Medical Center states. If you already take a blood-thinning medication, talk to your doctor before taking garlic. Garlic may increase the effects of the blood thinner, which can cause serious health concerns.

Body Odor

Body odor, a common side effect of consuming garlic, may occur after taking a garlic supplement for a long time. Your body may give off the odor of garlic. You may need to stop the garlic supplement if the odor becomes offensive to others or yourself.

References

Article reviewed by Leah Ann Crussell Last updated on: Jan 27, 2011

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